Visitors flooding the area for Fourth, fireworks safety is again stressed

Langlade County is welcoming holiday visitors in droves for the long Independence Day weekend with parades, fireworks and special events, and everyone is being urged to have an outstanding time as they enjoy the area’s lakes and trails.

But along with the revelry comes cautions over safety, especially around that most cherished of July Fourth traditions—fireworks.

According to officials with the Keeping Kids Safe Coalition, sponsored by the Langlade County Health Department, those awesome fireworks are also hot, literally so.

Common sparklers burn at 1,200 degrees, an intense heat. In comparison, water boils at 212 degrees, cakes bake at 350 degrees, wood burns at 575 degrees and glass melts at 900 degrees.

The risk of fireworks injury is highest for children ages 5 to 19 and adults 25 to 44. In one recent year, almost 18,000 fires were caused by fireworks and sparklers caused 16 percent of fireworks injuries. Nearly 90 percent of emergency room fireworks injuries involve fireworks consumers are permitted to use.

“We all like to celebrate the 4th of July, but mishandling fireworks could cause a tragic end to the festivities,” Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Brian Satula said. “Make sure you purchase only legal fireworks, follow the manufacturer’s directions on storing and lighting fireworks and never have a child light them.”

Here are more tips to protect yourself and your family:

—Adults igniting the fireworks should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the fireworks.

—Keep your pets indoors to reduce the risk that they will run loose and get injured. Many animals have very sensitive ears and can be stressed or frightened by fireworks.

An idyllic scene looking south on Upper Post Lake Wednesday afternoon. The flag flying and the boater enjoying a day out makes the perfect scene for the Fourth of July holiday.

Visitors flooding the area for Fourth, fireworks safety is again stressed

Langlade County is welcoming holiday visitors in droves for the long Independence Day weekend with parades, fireworks and special events, and everyone is being urged to have an outstanding time as they enjoy the area’s lakes and trails.

But along with the revelry comes cautions over safety, especially around that most cherished of July Fourth traditions—fireworks.

According to officials with the Keeping Kids Safe Coalition, sponsored by the Langlade County Health Department, those awesome fireworks are also hot, literally so.

Common sparklers burn at 1,200 degrees, an intense heat. In comparison, water boils at 212 degrees, cakes bake at 350 degrees, wood burns at 575 degrees and glass melts at 900 degrees.

The risk of fireworks injury is highest for children ages 5 to 19 and adults 25 to 44. In one recent year, almost 18,000 fires were caused by fireworks and sparklers caused 16 percent of fireworks injuries. Nearly 90 percent of emergency room fireworks injuries involve fireworks consumers are permitted to use.

“We all like to celebrate the 4th of July, but mishandling fireworks could cause a tragic end to the festivities,” Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Brian Satula said. “Make sure you purchase only legal fireworks, follow the manufacturer’s directions on storing and lighting fireworks and never have a child light them.”

Here are more tips to protect yourself and your family:

—Adults igniting the fireworks should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the fireworks.